Stop Impulse Buying Today With This One Easy Tip

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Don’t give up that new home, summer trip overseas, or children’s college fund for instant gratification. Use this method in the moment to stop impulse buys and stay focused.

During a momentary lapse in judgment, it’s easy to be distracted with impulse buys instead of staying focused on the goals of your budget. Sure, the purchase doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Yet doing so repeatedly forms a bad habit.

Don’t give up that new home, summer trip overseas, or children’s college fund for instant gratification. Use this method in the moment to stop impulse buys and stay focused.

The Method To Stop Impulse Buying

Stop Impulse Buying Infographic

When my husband or I get that twinkle in our eye and start the “have-to-have-it” talk about an expensive item that costs more than what we budgeted for, the same statement regularly comes up:

“Let’s talk about it next time we do the budget.”

After the statement, we write down the possible future purchase on our dry-erase board. Then, we bring it up at the next meeting.

If we realize the item on the list is a necessity (new socks, undergarments, work clothes), we allot extra to the person’s personal money

If it’s a larger purchase, only a desire, or both, we typically plan on splitting the purchase price up over the next few budgets

Why This Works

Think about it. When you are told you can’t have something, it makes you want that item even more.

With this method, you don’t hear “no.” This rational conversation subsides the desire for an impulse buy. It’s more painless to walk away because you know there will be another opportunity within 2 weeks if you still decide to buy it.

This additional time saves you money in the long run.

You decide if you truly want/need this item

You see how this purchase fits into your long-term plan

You make more informed purchases

You carry out your original budget

You remember what your goals are

Ultimately, you are in control of the situation. There is not a right way to do this. Just whatever makes sense and most importantly, keeps you on track to fulfill your goals.

Does This Really Work?

We stick to our budget 90% of the time with this method. We aren’t perfect, but this approach works so often because it is rational. When you think, “Great, maybe later,” instead of, “I can never have this item,” it is painless to walk away from a purchase.

You will come to find (as we usually do) that some things you truly never needed, while some will actually fill a purpose in your life.

With all the excess around us, I feel that we would somehow manage just fine without ever purchasing that impulse buy. Maybe even being slightly lighter, physically and metaphorically, without it.